Make your weekend brunch truly unforgettable with a dish that brings warmth and richness to your table—Chicken Nihari. This slow-cooked delight is known for its deep and aromatic flavors, making it a must-try for food lovers. Traditionally prepared with red meat, this version offers a lighter yet equally flavorful twist with chicken, ensuring you get all the bold spices and velvety texture without the heaviness.
As food influencer Indu Mathew explains, Nihari derives its name from the Arabic word ‘Nahar,’ meaning morning, as it was originally served as a nourishing meal to fuel workers for the day. The fragrant blend of whole spices and slow cooking technique creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, making it an excellent choice for a relaxed weekend meal.
Chicken Nihari Recipe
Ingredients:
Bone-in chicken pieces, sliced onions, ginger-garlic paste, cumin seeds, fennel seeds, star anise, mace, black peppercorns, black cardamom, dry red chilies, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ghee, water, salt to taste, and fresh curd.
Method:
Begin by browning sliced onions in ghee until caramelized, then blend them into a smoky paste with a bit of water and keep aside. In the same ghee, sauté ginger-garlic paste until fragrant, then add bone-in chicken pieces and sear them to a golden brown. Next, grind together cumin seeds, fennel seeds, star anise, mace, black peppercorns, black cardamom, dry red chilies, red chili powder, and turmeric powder. Add this aromatic spice blend to the chicken and mix well to coat. Stir in the prepared onion paste followed by a generous helping of fresh curd to balance the heat and enhance the curry’s texture. Season with salt and cook until oil separates from the gravy. Once the oil begins to float on top, add water to cover the chicken and let it simmer until fully cooked. Before serving, skim off some of the fragrant oil and reserve it for the final garnish. Reduce the curry to your desired consistency, and just before serving, drizzle the reserved oil over the top to give it a glossy finish.
For the perfect pairing, serve this delicious Chicken Nihari with freshly baked tandoori roti, a side of sliced onions, and wedges of lemon. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and robust spices will make this dish the highlight of your weekend feast.